EP3101218A1 - Apparatus to support a tubular member - Google Patents
Apparatus to support a tubular member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3101218A1 EP3101218A1 EP15170833.6A EP15170833A EP3101218A1 EP 3101218 A1 EP3101218 A1 EP 3101218A1 EP 15170833 A EP15170833 A EP 15170833A EP 3101218 A1 EP3101218 A1 EP 3101218A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- piston
- cylinder
- clamp
- elements
- carrying structure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 50
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010720 hydraulic oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
- E21B19/161—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints using a wrench or a spinner adapted to engage a circular section of pipe
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
- E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
- E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
- E21B19/07—Slip-type elevators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/10—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/1066—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two or more members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing with three or more members surrounding the pipe
Definitions
- the invention relates to an apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in the field of oil and gas production.
- the apparatus has a carrying structure defining a central opening for receiving a pipe.
- movable clamp elements are provided in order to hold the pipe.
- the clamp elements are moved by vertical cylinder-piston arrangements that are positioned in the carrying structure and that are acting on the clamp elements by horizontal orientated levers.
- CN 203 382 753 a further apparatus for supporting tubular members is shown. Its clamp elements are also moved by vertical cylinder-piston arrangements positioned in the body acting on the clamp elements by horizontal levers. The clamping elements have a wedge-like shape and moved along a carrying structure surface that is inclined to the vertical axis.
- tubular member will be used generally and broadly to refer to any elongated member that is to be releasable held in the apparatus, which may specifically include a pipe, a tube, a solid or hollow rod, a tool shaft or shank, or any other elongated member.
- an apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes in particular in the field of oil and gas production, comprises:
- the above described arrangement provides a highly precise and highly loadable and robust guidance and actuation of the clamp elements within and relative to the carrying structure. Because the linear actuators are tilted along the cone angle and they are positioned in the clamp elements, they can apply an optimal stroke or linear actuation force and a resulting optimal radial clamping or holding force. Auxiliary elements such as levers or the like in order to connect the linear actuators with the clamp elements can be omitted. Namely, the linear actuators apply the actuation force respectively to each clamp element along the direction of the cone angle, and the respective clamp element slides along the conically tapering inner circumferential surface of the carrying structure which is also sloped correspondingly at this cone angle.
- the applied actuation force smoothly and optimally drives the sliding motion of the clamp elements along the cone angle, whereby the radial motion component effectuates the clamping force of the clamp elements onto the tubular member extending longitudinally through the central opening of the elevator.
- the above arrangement strongly reduces or even prevents a twisting or tilting of the linear actuators. Therefore, the linear actuators can be designed and constructed with a lighter weight and/or to apply a higher clamping force and/or to require a reduced input actuation power.
- the carrying structure can be made more tightly arranged, this enabling a bigger central opening and thus the supporting of bigger pipes by an unchanged outer carrying structure extension.
- the apparatus 1 according to the invention is not limited to lifting and lowering operations.
- An exemplary alternative application is using the apparatus 1 according to the invention to hold and press tubular elements of pipelines against each other in order to create a weld joint.
- the apparatus 1 according to the invention can also be part of a welding machine.
- two apparatus according to the invention can be provided, wherein each apparatus holds one tubular member.
- the linear actuators are cylinder-piston-arrangements, wherein said first components are the cylinders and the second components are the pistons which are movable guided in the cylinders along the actuator axis and that are attached to the clamp elements by a holding element that extends through the piston rod along the actuator axis.
- Cylinder-piston-arrangements such as hydraulic cylinder-piston-arrangements enable are reliable, robust actuation and the applying of high actuation forces.
- a replacement of the clamp elements is facilitated. Basically, only the holding element has to be removed to loosen the connection between the cylinder-piston arrangement and the respective clamp element.
- each cylinder can has a positive form fit element which engages with a counter element of the carrying structure. Further on, the form fit engagement prevents a relative movement of the cylinders.
- the cylinders can be secured to the carrying structure by screws being in thread engagement with the positive form fit elements.
- each piston divides the respective cylinder space into a first pressure chamber and in a second pressure chamber.
- the pressure chambers have preferably the same volume and the same stroke length, thus enabling an easy actuation.
- the actuation of the cylinder-piston-arrangements can be more facilitated, if the cylinder-piston-arrangements are connected in series such that the fluid pressed out of a first pressure chamber of one cylinder-piston arrangement is pressed into the second pressure chamber of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement and vice versa. Due to such a Master-Slave-Actuation, a mechanical mechanism in order to connect the clamp elements can be omitted. All cylinder-arrangements can be actuated by on fluid pump and by just one 4-port/2-way valve, as the fluid is fed successively through all cylinder-piston-arrangements.
- each cylinder-piston-arrangement can be connected with each other by a bypass conduit having a constricted opening.
- a bypass conduit having a constricted opening.
- a valve element is positioned in each bypass conduit preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conducts when the clamping elements are moved down.
- a bypass flow is prevented during lowering the clamp elements and such during grabbing the tubular member.
- a preferred valve element is a check valve.
- each bypass conduit in each bypass conduit a valve element is positioned preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conducts when the clamping elements are lifted up.
- a preferred valve element is a check valve.
- each piston can have at least one chamfer on its outer circumferential surface providing a minimum volume of a pressure chamber into which the fluid can be pumped.
- first and second signals are generated representing the clamp elements being in the lowered position or in the lifted position.
- two switch- or sensor-like elements are dedicated to each clamp element, wherein one switch generates a signal when the respective clamp element is down and the other switch generates a signal when the respective clamp element is up.
- FIG. 1 an example of an apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown in its closed positon ( figure 1 ) and in its opened position ( figure 2 ).
- the apparatus 1 is used for lifting, lowering and holding tubular members such as pipes on off- and onshore oil or gas drilling platforms.
- tubular members such as pipes on off- and onshore oil or gas drilling platforms.
- elevator in general.
- the apparatus 1 according to the invention is not limited to lifting and lowering operations.
- An exemplary alternative application is using the apparatus 1 according to the invention to hold and press tubular elements of pipelines against each other in order to create a weld joint.
- the apparatus 1 according to the invention can also be part of a welding machine.
- the apparatus In order to attach the apparatus 1 mechanically to a non-shown handling or lifting system of the drilling platform, the apparatus has two outer ear-like retainer elements 2, 3 on opposite sides. Each retainer element defines an opening 4 for receiving connection bars and the like of the lifting system. Preferably, the retainer elements have pivotable locking arms 5 in order to open and close the openings circumferentially.
- the apparatus 1 has a carrying structure 6 comprising an elevator body 8 and two doors 10, 12 that are pivotable connected to the elevator body 8 on opposite sides by hinges 14, 16.
- the carrying structure 6 extends annularly around a central opening 18 along an axis.
- the doors 10, 12 can be moved relative to the elevator body 8 between the closed positioned ( figure 1 ) and the opened position ( figure 2 ). In the closed position, the doors 10, 12 are locked by a common latch 19 and by a not shown locking device that prevents an unintentional opening of them.
- the central opening 18 is opened circumferentially and a tubular member can be inserted in the central opening 18 radially to the axis 20 of the central opening 18.
- the doors 10, 12 are such attached to the elevator body 8 that the central opening 18 can be opened over a peripheral angel of 180°. Thus, each door 10, 12 extends over an circumferential area of 60°.
- the movement of the doors 10, 12 and of the locking device is done preferably hydraulically.
- a plurality of clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are arranged movably relative to that carrying structure 6 in said central opening 18.
- four identical clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are provided.
- the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are evenly distributed over in circumferential direction, Thus, two clamp elements 26, 28 are guided on the carrying structure 6 and one clamp element 24, 30 is guided on one of the doors 10, 12.
- less or more clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 can be provided.
- the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are so-called slips and can be moved between a lowered position and a lifted position. In the lifted position, the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are moved radially outwards in order to introduce or remove a tubular member. In the lowered position, the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 are moved radially inwards in order to grab and hold the tubular member for a following lowering or lifting operation.
- the lowering and lifting of the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 is done by linear actuators 32, 34, 36, 38, in particular by hydraulic cylinder-piston-arrangements that are positioned in a recess 40 of the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30.
- a more detailed explanation of the cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38, follows in figures 3 , 4 and 5 .
- guideplates 42, 44 are provided on the lower side and the upper side of the carrying structure 6. As shown in figures 1 and 2 , one each elevator side three guideplates 42, 44 are provided, wherein the guideplates on the doors 12 form a peripheral angel of 60° each and the guideplates on the elevator body 8 form a peripheral angel of 180° each.
- the guideplates 42, 44 have concave inner surfaces 46, 48 and extend radially over the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30 in their lifted position. In the closed position of the carrying structure 6, the concave inner surfaces 46, 48 form an upper inner circumferential guide surface and a lower inner circumferential guide surface. By means of the upper and the lower circumferential guide surfaces 46, 48, the tubular element to be handled will be centered in the central opening 18 before they are grabbed by the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30.
- FIG 3 a cross section through an exemplary clamp element 28 is shown.
- figure 3 shows a cross section though the right clamping element 28 according to figure 2 .
- the following description is not limited to this one clamping element 28, but represents all clamping elements 24, 26, 28, 30.
- the clamp element 28 has a wedge-like cross section. It has an inclined surface 50 on a radially outer side thereof, said inclined surface 50 is inclined at said cone angle ⁇ relative to said axis 20 and is configured and arranged to slide along said inner circumferential surface 22.
- the recess 40 for receiving one of the cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 is provided in the inclined surface 50.
- the clamp element 28 On a radially inner side, the clamp element 28 has a clamp surface 52 being parallel to said axis 20.
- a plurality of wedges 54 is provided.
- the wedges 54 are supported on carriers 56 that are releasable secured to the clamp surface 52 in a direction parallel to the axis 20.
- a lower switch 53 and an upper switch 55 are provided in order to detect the position of one clamp element 28, a lower switch 53 and an upper switch 55 are provided.
- the switches 53, 55 are located in a lower bore 58 and in an upper bore 60 of the carrying structure 6.
- an adapter element 59 can be positioned in the area of the lower switch 53 between the clamp element 28 and the carrying structure 6 having a wedge-like cross section.
- the carrying structure 6 can have a lower vertical surface area, as the inclined surface 22 is formed partially by the wedge-like adapter element 59.
- a rear projection 61 of the adapter element 59 can be received in a corresponding counter recess 63 of the carrying structure 6.
- the lower bore 58 extends through the adapter element 59 and the switch 53 is positioned at least partially in the adapter element 59.
- the switches 53, 55 for instance hydraulic switches, extend with a contact section 57 out of the bores 58, 60 over the internal circumferential surface 22 in the central opening 18 and are activated by actuation surfaces 62, 64 of the clamp element 28.
- the actuation surfaces 62, 64 can have inclined surfaces areas relative to the inclined surface 50 of the clamp element 28 which are positioned on opposite ends of the clamp element 28.
- the lower actuation surface 62 is overlapping the lower bore 58, thus the lower switch 53 is activated and a signal is generated that the clamp element 28 is in its lowered position.
- the upper actuation surface 62 is contacting the upper switch 55, thus the upper switch is activated and a signal is generated that the clamp element 28 is in its lifted position.
- the cylinder-piston arrangement 36 has a cylinder 66 and a piston 68 that can be driven linearly relative to one another along an actuator axis 70 that is inclined at said cone angle ⁇ relative to that axis 20.
- the cylinder 66 is attached to carrying structure 6, and the piston 68 is attached to the clamp element 28. Both, the cylinder 66 and the piston 68 are positioned in the recess 40 of the inclined surface 50 of the clamp element 28.
- the attachment of the cylinder 66 to the carrying structure 6 is done by a cylinder-like positive fit element 72 that is fixed to an outer surface section of the cylinder 68 and engages into a counter recess 73 of the carrying structure 6 in its inner circumferential surface 22.
- the positive fit element 72 is welded to an outer circumferential surface section of the cylinder 66.
- the cylinder 68 is attached to the carrying structure 6 by a screw 74.
- a screw 74 extends through a through hole 76 of the carrying structure 6 from the rear relative to the clamp element 28 and is in thread engagement with an internal screw thread 78 of the positive form fit element 72.
- the through hole is orientated perpendicular to the actuator axis 70.
- the screw 74 When tighten the screw 74, the screw 74 is turned into the internal screw thread 78 and pressed with its head 80 against a back-facing surface 82. In order to protect the screw head 80, the back-facing surface 82 is surrounded by a wall 84 extending over the head 80.
- the attachment of the piston 68 to the clamp element 28 is done by an elongated holding element 86 that extends through a piston rod 88 supporting the piston 68 along the actuator axis 70.
- the holding element 86 is in the shown embodiment a stud-bolt that is fed through an upper bore 90 of the recess 40 of the clamp element 28 into the recess 40 and that is received with its foot 92 in a corresponding cavity 94 in a recess ground 96.
- the holding element 86 has an upper external thread section 97 by which it is in thread engagement with an internal thread of the upper bore 90.
- a ring-like locking device 99 is positioned between its head 98 and a housing 102 through which the holding element 98 is fed outside the recess 40.
- the housing 102 is carried by an outer surface 101 rendering the upper bore 90 and in contact with a shoulder 103 extending perpendicular to the outer surface 101.
- the housing 102 and the locking device 99 are hold together in and dissembled state by a locking ring 100 that is in engagement with a non-shown circumferential notch of the holding element 86 that is covered by the housing 102 below the head 98.
- the piston rod 88 extends through both face sides 104, 106 of the cylinder 66 and contacts both the recess ground 96 and an opposite recess ceiling 108.
- the piston rod 88 is fixed radially by the holding element 72 and axially by its contact with the recess ground 98 and the recess ceiling 108.
- the piston 68 is an integral section of the piston rod 88. It has the shape of a ring and divides an internal space of the cylinder 68 in a lower pressure chamber 110 and in an upper pressure chamber 112. As the clamp element 28 is in the shown position down, the lower pressure chamber 110 is minimized. In order to avoid leakage between the pressure chambers 110, 112, the piston 68 supports a non-illustrated sealing ring in a respective outer circumferential notch 114.
- Both pressure chambers 110, 112 have the same inner diameter and the same stroke length. Thus, they have the same volume in total.
- the lower pressure chamber 110 is pressurized in order to lift up the clamp element 28.
- the upper pressure chamber 112 is pressurized in order to lower the clamp elements 28.
- two fluid conduits 116, 118 are provided. Both conduits 116, 118 are positioned such in the carrying structure 6 that they enter the pressure chambers 110, 112 close to cylinder's end faces 104, 106, in particular directly at the level of the cylinder's end faces 104, 106.
- the conduits 116, 118 are provided in pipe element 120, 122 that has a longitudinal through channel as conduit, a broadened foot section 124 and a head section 126 provided with an external thread 128.
- the pipe elements 120, 122 are received in through bores 130, 132 extending through the carrying structure 6 parallel to the through hole 76 of the screw 74 for fixing the cylinder 66 to the carrying structure 6.
- the pipe elements 120, 122 are engaged with their foot sections 124 between the cylinder 66 and the carrying structure 6 and are secured to the carrying structure 6 by nuts 134 being screwed on their external thread 128.
- the pipe elements 120, 122 are welded with their foot sections 124 to outer circumferential surface sections of the cylinder 66.
- the cylinder 66 is reliable fixed to the carrying structure 6 by the pipe elements 120, 122.
- the carrying structure 6 has in their opposite surface sections depressions 140, 142 that correspond to the broadened foot 124.
- the mechanical connection of non-shown external fluid lines to the fluid conduits 116, 118 is done by adapter elements 144, 146 which are in thread engagement with internal threads 148 of the pipe elements 120, 122.
- the activating of the clamp element 28 and the external fluid lining will be described with respect to figures 4 and 5 .
- each clamp element 24, 26, 28, 50 has its own cylinder-piston arrangement 32, 34, 36, 38.
- the cylinder-piston arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 are connected in series, such that the fluid pressed out of a lower pressure chamber 110 of one cylinder-piston arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 is pressed into the upper pressure chamber 112 of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement 32, 34, 36, 38 and vice versa.
- the cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 at the ends are connected to a joined valve element 152.
- the valve element 152 is a 4-port/2-way valve by which a fluid connection can be opened and closed to a fluid pump and a fluid tank. It has the access A, B, P and T. From the access a fluid line 154 is fed directly to the upper pressure chamber 112a of left cylinder-piston-arrangement 24, from the access B a fluid line 156 is fed directly to the lower pressure chamber 110d of the right cylinder-piston-arrangement 38. The access P is connected with the pump and the access T is in connection with a tank.
- the upper pressure chamber 112d of the right cylinder-piston arrangement 38 is connected by a fluid line 158 with the lower pressure chamber 110c of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 36 on its left side.
- the upper pressure chamber 112c of this cylinder-piston arrangement 36 is connected by a fluid line 160 with the lower pressure chamber 110c of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 34 on its left side.
- the upper pressure chamber 112c of this cylinder-piston arrangement 34 is connected by a fluid line 162 with the lower pressure chamber 110a of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 32 on its left side, i.e. the left cylinder-piston-arrangement 32 that is in direct connection with the access A of the valve.
- valve element 152 In order to lift up the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30, the valve element 152 is brought in its shown first work position in which the pump is connected with the access B, and the access A is connected with the tank. As a consequence, the fluid is pumped into the lower pressure chamber 110d of the right cylinder-piston-arrangement 38 and its piston 68d is lifted up. By means of this, its upper pressure chamber 12d is minimized and the fluid in the upper pressure chamber 112d will be pressed into the lower pressure chamber 110c of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement 36 via the fluid line 160. As the cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 are connected in series, this characteristic repeats between the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangements 36, 34 and 34, 32.
- valve element 152 in order to lower the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30, the valve element 152 is brought in its second work position in which the pump is connected with the access A, and the access B is connected with the tank. As a consequence, the fluid is pumped into the upper pressure chamber 112a of the left cylinder-piston-arrangement 32 and its piston 68a is lowered. By means of this, its lower pressure chamber 110a is minimized and the fluid in the lower pressure chamber 110a will be pressed into the upper pressure chamber 112b of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement 34 via the fluid line.
- each cylinder-position-arrangement 32, 34, 36, 38 comprises a bypass conduit 162, 164, 166, 168 connecting its pressure chambers 110a, 112a; 110b, 112b; 110c, 112c; 110d, 112d with each other.
- the bypass conduits 163, 164, 166, 168 enables a reset of all cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 in the case of a non-simultaneously behavior, and a leakage compensation.
- Each bypass conduits 162, 164, 166, 168 has a constricted opening 170 that has a smaller internal diameter than the fluid lines 154, 156, 158, 160.
- valve element 172 can be provided in each bypass conduit 163, 164, 166, 168 in each bypass conduit 163, 164, 166, 168 .
- the valve elements 172 are check valves and are such orientated that a fluid connection through the bypass conduit 163, 164, 166, 168 is blocked during a lowering operation of the clamp elements 24, 26, 28, 30.
- a reset of the cylinder-piston-arrangements 32, 34, 36, 38 and leakage compensation can only apply during a lifting operation.
- each piston 68 has two opposite chamfers 174 on its outer circumferential surface 176.
- the chamfer which is orientated to the upper pressure chamber is not illustrated in figure 5 for clarity reasons.
- the chamfers 174 define a minimum pressure chamber volume 178 and enable an entering of the fluid through the fluid conduits 116, 118 in the pressure chambers 110, 112.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to an apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in the field of oil and gas production.
- In the drilling industry, it is the usual practice to hoist various types of pipes such as drill systems and production tubing with various elevators of different capacities. The internal diameters and configurations of the elevators are specifically dressed for precise interfitting relation with the tool joints of the pipes to be handled.
- An elevator enabling the supporting of pipes having different outer diameters is shown in
US 4 361 940 A . The apparatus has a carrying structure defining a central opening for receiving a pipe. In order to hold the pipe, movable clamp elements are provided. The clamp elements are moved by vertical cylinder-piston arrangements that are positioned in the carrying structure and that are acting on the clamp elements by horizontal orientated levers. - In
CN 203 382 753 a further apparatus for supporting tubular members is shown. Its clamp elements are also moved by vertical cylinder-piston arrangements positioned in the body acting on the clamp elements by horizontal levers. The clamping elements have a wedge-like shape and moved along a carrying structure surface that is inclined to the vertical axis. - In
US 7 762 343 B2 a further apparatus to support tubular members is shown having clamp elements. The clamp elements are moved by vertical cylinder-piston arrangements positioned in a carrying structure that act on the clamp elements by horizontal levers. - In
US 8 720 589 B2 an apparatus for holding pipes via positive form fit is shown. Pilotable retainers of a carrying structure for holding a pipe are actuated by cylinder-piston arrangements which are positioned in the carrying structure and acting on the clamp elements by horizontal levers. - In view of the above, it is an object of an embodiment of the invention to provide at least one alternative to the apparatus described above, which provide an apparatus of the abovementioned general type, with a more effective application of clamping force, so that the apparatus can correspondingly apply a higher clamping force and/or be designed with a lighter weight and/or reduced power input, and that provides a simpler, more economical and more robust construction of a clamping mechanism.
- This object has been achieved by an apparatus in accordance with
claim 1. In the present application, the term "tubular member" will be used generally and broadly to refer to any elongated member that is to be releasable held in the apparatus, which may specifically include a pipe, a tube, a solid or hollow rod, a tool shaft or shank, or any other elongated member. - According to the invention, an apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in the field of oil and gas production, comprises:
- a carrying structure that can be mechanically attached to a handling apparatus extends annularly around a central opening along an axis and has an inner circumferential surface bounding that central opening, wherein said inner circumferential surface tapers conically at a cone angel relative to said axis,
- a plurality of clamp elements that are arranged movably relative to that carrying structure in said central opening, wherein each of that clamp elements has an inclined surface on a radially outer side thereof, said inclined surface is inclined at said cone angle relative to said axis and is configured and arranged to slide along said inner circumferential surface, and wherein each of that clamp elements has a clamp surface being parallel to said axis, and
- a plurality of linear actuators, wherein each of that linear actuators respectively has first and second actuator components that can be driven linearly relative to one another along an actuator axis that is inclined at said cone angle relative to that axis, wherein said first component is connected to said carrying structure, and wherein the second component is connected to a respective one of said clamp elements, wherein both the first and the second components are positioned in a recess of the inclined surface the respective clamp element.
- The above described arrangement provides a highly precise and highly loadable and robust guidance and actuation of the clamp elements within and relative to the carrying structure. Because the linear actuators are tilted along the cone angle and they are positioned in the clamp elements, they can apply an optimal stroke or linear actuation force and a resulting optimal radial clamping or holding force. Auxiliary elements such as levers or the like in order to connect the linear actuators with the clamp elements can be omitted. Namely, the linear actuators apply the actuation force respectively to each clamp element along the direction of the cone angle, and the respective clamp element slides along the conically tapering inner circumferential surface of the carrying structure which is also sloped correspondingly at this cone angle. Thus, the applied actuation force smoothly and optimally drives the sliding motion of the clamp elements along the cone angle, whereby the radial motion component effectuates the clamping force of the clamp elements onto the tubular member extending longitudinally through the central opening of the elevator. Furthermore, the above arrangement strongly reduces or even prevents a twisting or tilting of the linear actuators. Therefore, the linear actuators can be designed and constructed with a lighter weight and/or to apply a higher clamping force and/or to require a reduced input actuation power. Additionally, as the linear actuators are positioned in the slips, the carrying structure can be made more tightly arranged, this enabling a bigger central opening and thus the supporting of bigger pipes by an unchanged outer carrying structure extension. It should be noted that the
apparatus 1 according to the invention is not limited to lifting and lowering operations. An exemplary alternative application is using theapparatus 1 according to the invention to hold and press tubular elements of pipelines against each other in order to create a weld joint. Thus, theapparatus 1 according to the invention can also be part of a welding machine. As a part of a welding machine, two apparatus according to the invention can be provided, wherein each apparatus holds one tubular member. According to an embodiment, the linear actuators are cylinder-piston-arrangements, wherein said first components are the cylinders and the second components are the pistons which are movable guided in the cylinders along the actuator axis and that are attached to the clamp elements by a holding element that extends through the piston rod along the actuator axis. Cylinder-piston-arrangements such as hydraulic cylinder-piston-arrangements enable are reliable, robust actuation and the applying of high actuation forces. As the holding element extends through the piston rod, a replacement of the clamp elements is facilitated. Basically, only the holding element has to be removed to loosen the connection between the cylinder-piston arrangement and the respective clamp element. - In order to ensure that the cylinders are in their desired assembly positions, each cylinder can has a positive form fit element which engages with a counter element of the carrying structure. Further on, the form fit engagement prevents a relative movement of the cylinders.
- Additionally, the cylinders can be secured to the carrying structure by screws being in thread engagement with the positive form fit elements.
- Preferably, each piston divides the respective cylinder space into a first pressure chamber and in a second pressure chamber. The pressure chambers have preferably the same volume and the same stroke length, thus enabling an easy actuation.
- The actuation of the cylinder-piston-arrangements can be more facilitated, if the cylinder-piston-arrangements are connected in series such that the fluid pressed out of a first pressure chamber of one cylinder-piston arrangement is pressed into the second pressure chamber of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement and vice versa. Due to such a Master-Slave-Actuation, a mechanical mechanism in order to connect the clamp elements can be omitted. All cylinder-arrangements can be actuated by on fluid pump and by just one 4-port/2-way valve, as the fluid is fed successively through all cylinder-piston-arrangements.
- The pressure chambers of each cylinder-piston-arrangement can be connected with each other by a bypass conduit having a constricted opening. By means of this, first a synchronization of the clamp elements in axial motion and radial motion can be automatically achieved in the case the cylinder-piston-arrangements are out of synchronization. Thus, a reset function is provided. Second, via the bypass conduit fluid leackage is compensated automatically. Due to the constricted opening relative to fluid conduits led to/from the pressure chambers, it is prevented that a cylinder-piston arrangement is totally bypassed.
- In one embodiment, a valve element is positioned in each bypass conduit preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conducts when the clamping elements are moved down. By means of this, a bypass flow is prevented during lowering the clamp elements and such during grabbing the tubular member. Thus, it is ensured that a necessary holding force/work pressure can be applied to the clamp elements in order to hold the tubular member. Additionally, due to this orientation of the valve elements it is ensured that the clamp elements are starting at the same upper level before they are moved down, thus enabling a centering of the tubular member to be hold. A preferred valve element is a check valve.
- However, in another embodiment in each bypass conduit a valve element is positioned preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conducts when the clamping elements are lifted up. By means of this, a kind of pressure relief is established during lowering the clamp elements as pressure fluid can bypass the respective cylinder-piston-arrangement. A preferred valve element is a check valve.
- In order to create a compact cylinder, it is preferred to use the whole stroke length in a lowering operation and in a handling operation. In order to enable a fluid flow to pressure sides of the pistons in their end positions, each piston can have at least one chamfer on its outer circumferential surface providing a minimum volume of a pressure chamber into which the fluid can be pumped.
- For safety reasons it is advantageous when first and second signals are generated representing the clamp elements being in the lowered position or in the lifted position. Preferably, two switch- or sensor-like elements are dedicated to each clamp element, wherein one switch generates a signal when the respective clamp element is down and the other switch generates a signal when the respective clamp element is up.
- Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject of further dependent claims.
- In the following, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the following figures:
- Figure 1
- shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in a closed position;
- Figure 2
- shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in an opened position;
- Figure 3
- shows a cross section through a clamp element and its cylinder-piston-arrangement;
- Figure 4
- shows a connection scheme of four cylinder-piston-arrangements when lowered;
- Figure 5
- shows a connection scheme of four cylinder-piston-arrangements when lifted; and
- Figure 6
- shows a cross section through a piston of one of the cylinder-piston-arrangements;
- In
figures 1 and 2 an example of anapparatus 1 according to the invention is shown in its closed positon (figure 1 ) and in its opened position (figure 2 ). Theapparatus 1 is used for lifting, lowering and holding tubular members such as pipes on off- and onshore oil or gas drilling platforms. In the drilling technology such anapparatus 1 is called elevator in general. It should be noted that theapparatus 1 according to the invention is not limited to lifting and lowering operations. An exemplary alternative application is using theapparatus 1 according to the invention to hold and press tubular elements of pipelines against each other in order to create a weld joint. Thus, theapparatus 1 according to the invention can also be part of a welding machine. - In order to attach the
apparatus 1 mechanically to a non-shown handling or lifting system of the drilling platform, the apparatus has two outer ear-like retainer elements opening 4 for receiving connection bars and the like of the lifting system. Preferably, the retainer elements have pivotable lockingarms 5 in order to open and close the openings circumferentially. - The
apparatus 1 has a carryingstructure 6 comprising anelevator body 8 and twodoors elevator body 8 on opposite sides byhinges structure 6 extends annularly around acentral opening 18 along an axis. Thedoors elevator body 8 between the closed positioned (figure 1 ) and the opened position (figure 2 ). In the closed position, thedoors common latch 19 and by a not shown locking device that prevents an unintentional opening of them. In the opened position, thecentral opening 18 is opened circumferentially and a tubular member can be inserted in thecentral opening 18 radially to theaxis 20 of thecentral opening 18. Thedoors elevator body 8 that thecentral opening 18 can be opened over a peripheral angel of 180°. Thus, eachdoor doors - In the
central opening 18 on innercircumferential surfaces 22 of the carryingstructure 6, a plurality ofclamp elements structure 6 in saidcentral opening 18. In the shown embodiment, fouridentical clamp elements clamp elements clamp elements structure 6 and oneclamp element doors more clamp elements - The
clamp elements clamp elements clamp elements clamp elements linear actuators recess 40 of theclamp elements arrangements figures 3 ,4 and5 . - In order to protect the
clamp elements structure 6. As shown infigures 1 and 2 , one each elevator side threeguideplates doors 12 form a peripheral angel of 60° each and the guideplates on theelevator body 8 form a peripheral angel of 180° each. Theguideplates inner surfaces clamp elements structure 6, the concaveinner surfaces central opening 18 before they are grabbed by theclamp elements - In
figure 3 , a cross section through anexemplary clamp element 28 is shown. In particular,figure 3 shows a cross section though theright clamping element 28 according tofigure 2 . However, it is mentioned that the following description is not limited to this one clampingelement 28, but represents all clampingelements - As can be seen in
figure 3 , the innercircumferential surface 22 of the carryingstructure 6 bounding thatcentral opening 18 tapers conically at a cone angel α relative to saidaxis 20. - The
clamp element 28 has a wedge-like cross section. It has aninclined surface 50 on a radially outer side thereof, saidinclined surface 50 is inclined at said cone angle α relative to saidaxis 20 and is configured and arranged to slide along said innercircumferential surface 22. Therecess 40 for receiving one of the cylinder-piston-arrangements inclined surface 50. - On a radially inner side, the
clamp element 28 has aclamp surface 52 being parallel to saidaxis 20. In order to enhance the contact with a tubular element to be handled, a plurality ofwedges 54 is provided. Thewedges 54 are supported oncarriers 56 that are releasable secured to theclamp surface 52 in a direction parallel to theaxis 20. - In order to detect the position of one
clamp element 28, alower switch 53 and anupper switch 55 are provided. Theswitches lower bore 58 and in anupper bore 60 of the carryingstructure 6. In order to facilitate the manufacturing of the carryingstructure 6, anadapter element 59 can be positioned in the area of thelower switch 53 between theclamp element 28 and the carryingstructure 6 having a wedge-like cross section. By means of this, the carryingstructure 6 can have a lower vertical surface area, as theinclined surface 22 is formed partially by the wedge-like adapter element 59. In order to secure theadapter element 59 to the carryingstructure 6, arear projection 61 of theadapter element 59 can be received in acorresponding counter recess 63 of the carryingstructure 6. When theadapter element 59 is used, thelower bore 58 extends through theadapter element 59 and theswitch 53 is positioned at least partially in theadapter element 59. - The
switches contact section 57 out of thebores circumferential surface 22 in thecentral opening 18 and are activated byactuation surfaces clamp element 28. The actuation surfaces 62, 64 can have inclined surfaces areas relative to theinclined surface 50 of theclamp element 28 which are positioned on opposite ends of theclamp element 28. As can be seen infigure 2 , when theclamp element 28 is lowered, thelower actuation surface 62 is overlapping thelower bore 58, thus thelower switch 53 is activated and a signal is generated that theclamp element 28 is in its lowered position. When theclamp element 28 is lifted, theupper actuation surface 62 is contacting theupper switch 55, thus the upper switch is activated and a signal is generated that theclamp element 28 is in its lifted position. - The cylinder-
piston arrangement 36 has acylinder 66 and apiston 68 that can be driven linearly relative to one another along anactuator axis 70 that is inclined at said cone angle α relative to thataxis 20. Thecylinder 66 is attached to carryingstructure 6, and thepiston 68 is attached to theclamp element 28. Both, thecylinder 66 and thepiston 68 are positioned in therecess 40 of theinclined surface 50 of theclamp element 28. - The attachment of the
cylinder 66 to the carryingstructure 6 is done by a cylinder-like positivefit element 72 that is fixed to an outer surface section of thecylinder 68 and engages into acounter recess 73 of the carryingstructure 6 in its innercircumferential surface 22. Preferably, the positivefit element 72 is welded to an outer circumferential surface section of thecylinder 66. Additionally, thecylinder 68 is attached to the carryingstructure 6 by ascrew 74. Ascrew 74 extends through a throughhole 76 of the carryingstructure 6 from the rear relative to theclamp element 28 and is in thread engagement with aninternal screw thread 78 of the positive formfit element 72. Preferably, the through hole is orientated perpendicular to theactuator axis 70. When tighten thescrew 74, thescrew 74 is turned into theinternal screw thread 78 and pressed with itshead 80 against a back-facingsurface 82. In order to protect thescrew head 80, the back-facingsurface 82 is surrounded by awall 84 extending over thehead 80. - The attachment of the
piston 68 to theclamp element 28 is done by an elongated holdingelement 86 that extends through apiston rod 88 supporting thepiston 68 along theactuator axis 70. The holdingelement 86 is in the shown embodiment a stud-bolt that is fed through anupper bore 90 of therecess 40 of theclamp element 28 into therecess 40 and that is received with itsfoot 92 in a correspondingcavity 94 in arecess ground 96. The holdingelement 86 has an upper external thread section 97 by which it is in thread engagement with an internal thread of theupper bore 90. In order to avoid a loosing of the holdingelement 86, a ring-like locking device 99 is positioned between its head 98 and a housing 102 through which the holding element 98 is fed outside therecess 40. The housing 102 is carried by an outer surface 101 rendering theupper bore 90 and in contact with ashoulder 103 extending perpendicular to the outer surface 101. In order to enable a fast and easy disassembly of the holdingelement 86, the housing 102 and the locking device 99 are hold together in and dissembled state by a locking ring 100 that is in engagement with a non-shown circumferential notch of the holdingelement 86 that is covered by the housing 102 below the head 98. - The
piston rod 88 extends through both facesides cylinder 66 and contacts both therecess ground 96 and anopposite recess ceiling 108. Thus, thepiston rod 88 is fixed radially by the holdingelement 72 and axially by its contact with the recess ground 98 and therecess ceiling 108. - The
piston 68 is an integral section of thepiston rod 88. It has the shape of a ring and divides an internal space of thecylinder 68 in alower pressure chamber 110 and in anupper pressure chamber 112. As theclamp element 28 is in the shown position down, thelower pressure chamber 110 is minimized. In order to avoid leakage between thepressure chambers piston 68 supports a non-illustrated sealing ring in a respective outercircumferential notch 114. - Both
pressure chambers lower pressure chamber 110 is pressurized in order to lift up theclamp element 28. Theupper pressure chamber 112 is pressurized in order to lower theclamp elements 28. - In order to feed the pressure fluid, in particular hydraulic oil, into the
pressure chambers pressure chambers fluid conduits conduits structure 6 that they enter thepressure chambers - The
conduits pipe element foot section 124 and ahead section 126 provided with anexternal thread 128. Thepipe elements bores structure 6 parallel to the throughhole 76 of thescrew 74 for fixing thecylinder 66 to the carryingstructure 6. Thepipe elements foot sections 124 between thecylinder 66 and the carryingstructure 6 and are secured to the carryingstructure 6 bynuts 134 being screwed on theirexternal thread 128. Thepipe elements foot sections 124 to outer circumferential surface sections of thecylinder 66. Thus, even in the unlikely event of a damage of thescrew 74, thecylinder 66 is reliable fixed to the carryingstructure 6 by thepipe elements pipe elements cylinder channels 136, 138, the carryingstructure 6 has in their oppositesurface sections depressions 140, 142 that correspond to the broadenedfoot 124. The mechanical connection of non-shown external fluid lines to thefluid conduits adapter elements 144, 146 which are in thread engagement withinternal threads 148 of thepipe elements clamp element 28 and the external fluid lining will be described with respect tofigures 4 and5 . - As shown in
figure 4 , eachclamp element piston arrangement piston arrangements lower pressure chamber 110 of one cylinder-piston arrangements upper pressure chamber 112 of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement arrangements valve element 152. - In the shown embodiment, the
valve element 152 is a 4-port/2-way valve by which a fluid connection can be opened and closed to a fluid pump and a fluid tank. It has the access A, B, P and T. From the access afluid line 154 is fed directly to theupper pressure chamber 112a of left cylinder-piston-arrangement 24, from the access B afluid line 156 is fed directly to thelower pressure chamber 110d of the right cylinder-piston-arrangement 38. The access P is connected with the pump and the access T is in connection with a tank. - The
upper pressure chamber 112d of the right cylinder-piston arrangement 38 is connected by afluid line 158 with thelower pressure chamber 110c of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 36 on its left side. Theupper pressure chamber 112c of this cylinder-piston arrangement 36 is connected by afluid line 160 with thelower pressure chamber 110c of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 34 on its left side. Theupper pressure chamber 112c of this cylinder-piston arrangement 34 is connected by afluid line 162 with thelower pressure chamber 110a of the adjacent cylinder-piston arrangement 32 on its left side, i.e. the left cylinder-piston-arrangement 32 that is in direct connection with the access A of the valve. - As shown in
figure 4 , thepistons lower pressure chambers clamp elements - In order to lift up the
clamp elements valve element 152 is brought in its shown first work position in which the pump is connected with the access B, and the access A is connected with the tank. As a consequence, the fluid is pumped into thelower pressure chamber 110d of the right cylinder-piston-arrangement 38 and itspiston 68d is lifted up. By means of this, its upper pressure chamber 12d is minimized and the fluid in theupper pressure chamber 112d will be pressed into thelower pressure chamber 110c of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement 36 via thefluid line 160. As the cylinder-piston-arrangements arrangements piston 68a of the left cylinder-piston-arrangement 32 will be lifted and the fluid in itsupper pressure chamber 112a is fed to the tank. As the pressure fluid is incompressible, allpistons elements 28 are lifted simultaneously. - With reference to
figure 5 , in order to lower theclamp elements valve element 152 is brought in its second work position in which the pump is connected with the access A, and the access B is connected with the tank. As a consequence, the fluid is pumped into theupper pressure chamber 112a of the left cylinder-piston-arrangement 32 and itspiston 68a is lowered. By means of this, itslower pressure chamber 110a is minimized and the fluid in thelower pressure chamber 110a will be pressed into theupper pressure chamber 112b of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement 34 via the fluid line. As the cylinder-piston-arrangements arrangements piston 68d of the right cylinder-piston-arrangement 38 will be lowered and the fluid in itslower pressure chamber 110d is fed to the tank. As the pressure fluid is incompressible, allpistons elements 28 are lowered simultaneously. - With reference to
figure 4 and5 , each cylinder-position-arrangement bypass conduit pressure chambers bypass conduits arrangements bypass conduits opening 170 that has a smaller internal diameter than thefluid lines pressure chambers bypass conduits - Additionally, in order to enable a reset of the cylinder-piston-
arrangement clamp elements bypass conduit valve element 172 can be provided. In the shown embodiment, thevalve elements 172 are check valves and are such orientated that a fluid connection through thebypass conduit clamp elements arrangements - In
figure 6 a detail of thepistons 68 is shown. In order to enable an acting of the fluid on thepistons 68 when they are in their end positions, i.e. in contact with the cylinder's end faces 104, 106, eachpiston 68 has twoopposite chamfers 174 on its outercircumferential surface 176. The chamfer which is orientated to the upper pressure chamber is not illustrated infigure 5 for clarity reasons. Thechamfers 174 define a minimum pressure chamber volume 178 and enable an entering of the fluid through thefluid conduits pressure chambers - Disclosed is an apparatus to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in the field of oil and gas production, for instance in deep drilling, wherein a plurality of linear actuators for moving clamp elements are orientated with their actuator axis in a cone angle of a sliding surface for the clamp elements, and wherein the linear actuators are positioned in the clamp elements.
-
- 1
- apparatus
- 2
- retainer element
- 3
- retainer element
- 4
- opening
- 5
- locking arm
- 6
- carrying structure
- 8
- elevator body
- 10
- door
- 12
- door
- 14
- hinge
- 16
- hinge
- 18
- central opening
- 19
- latch
- 20
- axis
- 22
- inner
circumferential surfaces 22 - 24
- clamp elements
- 26
- clamp elements
- 28
- clamp elements
- 30
- clamp elements
- 32
- linear actuators / cylinder-piston-arrangement
- 34
- linear actuators / cylinder-piston-arrangement
- 36
- linear actuators / cylinder-piston-arrangement
- 38
- linear actuators / cylinder-piston-arrangement
- 40
- recess
- 42
- guideplate
- 44
- guideplate
- 46
- concave inner surface
- 48
- concave inner surface
- 50
- inclined surface
- 52
- clamp surface
- 53
- switch
- 54
- wedge
- 55
- switch
- 56
- carrier
- 57
- contact section
- 58
- bore
- 59
- adapter element
- 60
- bore
- 61
- projection
- 62
- actuation surface
- 63
- depression
- 64
- actuation surface
- 66
- cylinder
- 68, 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d
- piston
- 70
- actuator axis
- 72
- positive form fit element
- 73
- counter recess
- 74
- screw
- 76
- through hole
- 78
- internal screw thread
- 80
- head /screw head
- 82
- back-facing surface
- 84
- wall
- 86
- holding element
- 88
- piston rod
- 90
- upper bore
- 92
- foot
- 94
- cavity
- 96
- recess ground
- 97
- thread section
- 98
- head
- 99
- locking device
- 100
- locking ring
- 101
- outer surface
- 102
- housing
- 103
- shoulder
- 104
- face side / end face
- 106
- face side / end face
- 108
- recess ceiling
- 110 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d
- lower pressure chamber
- 112 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d
- upper pressure chamber
- 114
- circumferential notch
- 116
- fluid conduit
- 118
- fluid conduit
- 120
- pipe element
- 122
- pipe element
- 124
- foot section
- 126
- head section
- 128
- external thread
- 130
- through bore
- 132
- through bore
- 134
- nut
- 136
- cylinder channel
- 138
- cylinder channel
- 142
- depression
- 144
- adapter element
- 146
- adapter element
- 148
- internal thread
- 150
- 152
- valve element
- 154
- fluid line
- 156
- fluid line
- 158
- fluid line
- 160
- fluid line
- 162
- fluid line
- 163
- bypass conduit
- 164
- bypass conduit
- 166
- bypass conduit
- 168
- bypass conduit
- 170
- constricted opening
- 172
- valve element / check valve
- 174
- chamfer
- 176
- outer circumferential surface
- 178
- minimum pressure chamber volume
- α
- cone angle
Claims (11)
- An apparatus (1) to support a tubular member such as pipes, in particular in the field of oil and gas production, comprises:a carrying structure (6) that can be mechanically attached to a handling apparatus extends annularly around a central opening (18) along an axis (20) and has an inner circumferential surface (22) bounding that central opening (18), wherein said inner circumferential surface (22) tapers conically at a cone angel (α) relative to said axis (20),a plurality of clamp elements (24, 26, 28, 30) that are arranged movably relative to that carrying structure (6) in said central opening (18), wherein each of that clamp elements (24, 26, 28, 30) has an inclined surface (50) on a radially outer side thereof, said inclined surface (50) is inclined at said cone angle (α) relative to said axis (20) and is configured and arranged to slide along said inner circumferential surface (22), and wherein each of that clamp elements (α) has a clamp surface (52) being parallel to said axis, anda plurality of linear actuators (32, 34, 36, 38), wherein each of that linear actuators (32, 34, 36, 38) respectively has first and second actuator components (66, 68) that can be driven linearly relative to one another along an actuator axis (70) that is inclined at said cone angle (α) relative to that axis (20), wherein said first component (66) is attached to said carrying structure (6), and wherein the second component (68) is attached to a respective one of said clamp elements (24, 26, 28, 30), wherein both the first and the second components (66, 68) are positioned in a recess (40) of the inclined surface (50) the respective clamp element (24, 26, 28, 30).
- Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuators (32, 34, 36, 38) are cylinder-piston-arrangements, and wherein said first components (66) are the cylinders and the second components (68) are the pistons which are movable guided in the cylinders (66) along the actuator axis (70) and that are attached to the clamp elements (24, 26, 28, 30) by a holding element (86) that extends through the piston rod (88) along the actuator axis (70).
- Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each cylinder (66) has a positive form fit element (72) which engages with a counter element (73) of the carrying structure (6).
- Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cylinders (66) are secured to the carrying structure (6) by screws (74) being in thread engagement with the positive form fit elements (72).
- Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each piston (68) divides the respective cylinder space into a first pressure chamber (110) and in a second pressure chamber (112).
- Apparatus according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the cylinder-piston-arrangements (32, 34, 36, 38) are connected in series such that the fluid pressed out of a first pressure chamber (110) of one cylinder-piston arrangement (32, 34, 36, 38) is pressed into the second pressure chamber (112) of the subsequent cylinder-piston-arrangement (32, 34, 36, 38) and vice versa.
- Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the pressure chambers (110, 112) of each cylinder-piston-arrangement (32, 34, 36, 38) are connected with each other by a bypass conduit (163, 164, 166, 168) having a constricted opening (170).
- Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein a valve element (172) is positioned in each bypass conduit (163, 164, 166, 168) preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conduits (163, 164, 166, 168) when the clamping elements (24, 26, 28, 30) are moved down.
- Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein in each bypass conduit (163, 164, 166, 168) a valve element (172) is positioned preventing a fluid flow through the bypass conduits when the clamping elements (24, 26, 28, 30) are lifted up.
- Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein each piston has chamfers (174) on its outer circumferential surface (176) providing a minimum volume of each pressure chamber (110, 112) when the piston (68) is in one of its end positions.
- Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first signal is generated when a clamp element (24, 26, 28, 30) is lowered position and a second signal is generated when a clamp element (24, 26, 28, 30) is in a lifted position.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NO15170833A NO3101218T3 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2015-06-05 | |
EP15170833.6A EP3101218B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2015-06-05 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
CA2932242A CA2932242A1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-06-03 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
SG10201604579RA SG10201604579RA (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-06-06 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
US15/174,481 US9976365B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-06-06 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
CN201610394101.0A CN106246117B (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-06-06 | Apparatus for supporting cylindrical member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15170833.6A EP3101218B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2015-06-05 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3101218A1 true EP3101218A1 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
EP3101218B1 EP3101218B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 |
Family
ID=53365880
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15170833.6A Active EP3101218B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2015-06-05 | Apparatus to support a tubular member |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US9976365B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3101218B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106246117B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2932242A1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO3101218T3 (en) |
SG (1) | SG10201604579RA (en) |
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CN107989561A (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2018-05-04 | 大连惠德自动化设备有限公司 | A kind of new tubular column clamping device |
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US11572746B2 (en) | 2019-10-18 | 2023-02-07 | Weatherford Technology Holdings Llc | Rotary gripping apparatus for a power tong |
US11560762B2 (en) * | 2020-04-16 | 2023-01-24 | Forum Us, Inc. | Elevator locking system apparatus and methods |
CN113458894B (en) * | 2021-06-02 | 2022-08-26 | 浙江振大实业建设有限公司 | Installation process and method of building fire fighting pipeline |
CN113550700B (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2023-03-24 | 兰州兰石石油装备工程股份有限公司 | Front opening power slip |
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2016
- 2016-06-03 CA CA2932242A patent/CA2932242A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-06-06 US US15/174,481 patent/US9976365B2/en active Active
- 2016-06-06 SG SG10201604579RA patent/SG10201604579RA/en unknown
- 2016-06-06 CN CN201610394101.0A patent/CN106246117B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20160356104A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
CA2932242A1 (en) | 2016-12-05 |
NO3101218T3 (en) | 2018-01-06 |
CN106246117A (en) | 2016-12-21 |
CN106246117B (en) | 2019-12-17 |
SG10201604579RA (en) | 2017-01-27 |
EP3101218B1 (en) | 2017-08-09 |
US9976365B2 (en) | 2018-05-22 |
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